Cannabis use among patients with cancer has been a topic of interest and debate in recent years. A study conducted at the Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City aimed to shed light on this issue by examining the experiences of cancer patients who use cannabis. The findings of the study revealed some concerning trends.
The study included 267 adults with cancer who were undergoing treatment at the cancer center. The participants had an average age of 57.92, with 70% being female and 88% being White. Researchers found that 26% of the participants reported using cannabis in the previous 30 days. This group of cannabis users was younger, more likely to be male, Black, disabled or unable to work, enrolled in Medicaid insurance, and had an annual income of less than $50,000.
What was striking about the study’s findings was that patients who reported recent cannabis use experienced more severe symptoms compared to those who did not use cannabis. These symptoms included physical and social functioning difficulties, higher pain intensity, pain interference, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and severe physical and psychological symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, lack of appetite, and nausea.
Despite the worsened symptoms, patients who used cannabis perceived less potential harm from the drug than those who did not use it. They also reported finding relief from symptoms such as pain, sleep problems, nausea/vomiting, headaches, muscle spasms, anxiety, and poor appetite. However, the perceived effectiveness of cannabis was slightly lower for symptoms like panic attacks, depression, cancer disease, arthritis, and fatigue.
It is worth noting that the participants who reported cannabis use also had more severe respiratory symptoms, a recent history of cigarette smoking, a higher likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19, and a recent use of prescription pain medication. Surprisingly, these patients were less likely to believe that cannabis increased the risk of memory problems, paranoia, drug overdose, psychosis, respiratory symptoms, increased heart rate, and depression. They were also more likely to perceive cannabis as less harmful than alcohol, cigarettes, and prescription pain medication.
The study did highlight a concern regarding potentially problematic cannabis use, as 4.5% of the patients who reported recent cannabis use screened positive for cannabis use disorder. This suggests that some patients may develop problematic patterns of use that need attention and intervention.
These findings align with another study conducted by the University of Colorado Boulder, which also reported that cancer patients who used cannabis experienced benefits in pain relief, sleep quality, cognitive function, and reaction times. However, both studies emphasize the need for further research and education regarding cannabis use in the context of cancer.
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the experiences of cancer patients who use cannabis. While it suggests potential benefits for symptom relief, it also highlights the importance of caution and education. Healthcare providers should engage in open discussions with patients about cannabis use, addressing potential risks and monitoring for problematic use. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of cannabis on cancer patients and guide clinical decisions.
0 Comments